Project description
How cell migration shapes the first step of life
The mechanisms behind hatching, which is a critical stage in animal development, are still unclear. Understanding these processes can reveal fundamental principles of development and evolution. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Move2Hatch project is exploring how the local cellular environment influences the migration of hatching gland cells in zebrafish and medaka – two model fish species in which these cells have evolved the unique ability to move during development. The project will use live imaging, molecular profiling, and biophysical measurements. Its goal is to identify the genetic, cellular, and mechanical factors that influence hatching gland formation. This will shed light on how changes in cell behaviour drive developmental and evolutionary innovation.
Objective
Hatching is a universal milestone in animal development, present in both oviparous and viviparous species. Biochemical hatching has been described for several species and most of the research has been focused on the enzymes secreted by unicellular glands. These hatching gland cells (HGCs) are typically non-migratory, but in teleost fishes, they acquired migratory capacity. This evolutionary novelty has enabled remarkable morphological diversification with ecological and behavioral consequences. Thus, the HG provides a unique opportunity to investigate how changes in cell migration drive developmental and evolutionary innovation. To address it, I will test in Move2Hatch the hypothesis that the local microenvironment plays a decisive role in HGCs' migratory behavior, shaping the gland morphogenesis. Three objectives are proposed using zebrafish and medaka as complementary teleost models. O1—Define cell-intrinsic migratory properties of HGCs: assess the HGC behaviors through distinct migratory microenvironments and quantify the variance attributable to intrinsic programs. O2—Identify molecular players regulating HG migration, combining a candidate-based approach with unbiased transcriptomic profiling to reveal molecules potentially mediating environment-specific migration. O3—Determine the biophysical properties of the HG and its migratory environment: quantify properties like adhesiveness and mechanical stress during in vivo migration, and perform experimental alterations of the stiffness of the migratory substrate. By linking cellular autonomy (O1), molecular regulation (O2), and biophysical context (O3) within a unified comparative framework, Move2Hatch will deliver achievable results as 4D imaging, cell tracking, and RNA profiles, as well as atomic force microscopy and microdroplet-based measurements. Move2Hatch will generate novel insights into HG biology while providing the host with a new model system and me with expertise in mechanobiology and cell biology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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28006 Madrid
Spain
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